Experiences that allow for motion within a realistic environment promote active learning, critical thinking, decision making and improved performance. For example, a novice sailor is more likely to recall specific instruction when it is learned and practiced on water rather than on land, or read from a book. This is the basis for the MARquette Visualization Laboratory (MARVL) in Engineering Hall, a facility to be used by members of the entire Marquette University community and Southeastern Wisconsin to (1) demonstrate how visualization technology can be used in learning, research, and industry, (2) teach the theory rooted in this technology, and (3) create technologically advantageous visualization content. The process of planning the MARVL facility began in late 2007. Since that time members of the Marquette community were identified using various approaches. Meetings were then held over an 18 month period with interested users regarding their potential use of a visualization facility. Many of these individuals shared extensive visions with specific objectives geared towards research and teaching, as well as industry collaboration and outreach. Construction was completed in late 2013 and MARVL opened on January 16, 2014 with its first demonstration of unique visualization content.